September9, 2016

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Ted Poe (TX-02) voted in support of H.R. 3815, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). The bill amends current law to authorize U.S. courts to hear cases involving claims against a foreign state for injuries, death, or damages that occur inside the United States as a result of a tort, including an act of terrorism, committed anywhere by a foreign state or official.

“Fifteen years ago, on September 11, 2001, our country was instantly transformed when 3,000 Americans perished at the hands of evil terrorists,” said Congressman Poe. “If any foreign government can be shown to have significantly supported a terrorist attack on US soil, American victims ought to be able to sue that country. This bill gives the victims and their families their day in court. There is evidence that some Saudi Arabian officials may have had some level of involvement in planning some elements of the attack. Whether or not this involvement rises to the level sufficient to be held accountable is an issue to be litigated in the courtroom. That is the least that we can provide to the 3,000 murdered and their families. They deserve to pursue justice because justice is what we do in America.”

H.R. 3815 passed the U.S. House and U.S. Senate unanimously. It now awaits the President’s signature.